Coeur d'Alene, ID — August 28, 2024 — The Coeur d'Alene School District 271 Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to authorize the district to place a $25 million supplemental school levy on the November 5, 2024, general election ballot. This measure meets the immediate and essential needs of the district’s students, staff, and community by ensuring continued excellence in education and maintaining vital programs and services.
The proposed levy fills the gap between the funding the district gets from state and federal sources and the cost to provide education as it exists today. Levy funds help sustain the district’s exceptional education opportunities by supporting sports and extracurricular activities, operational costs, teacher salaries, classroom materials, safety measures, technology upgrades, and student support services. Additionally, the levy will ensure the district can continue to offer programs that enrich students’ academic and extracurricular experiences.
"This levy is an investment in our community's future," said Rebecca Smith, Board Chair of the Coeur d'Alene School District. "For decades our community has said yes to providing our students with the academic rigor they need as well as other opportunities that make their educational experience exceptional - sports, arts and music, extracurricular activities, advanced classes, school nurses, safety officers, and many other programs.”
“Our goal is to provide the highest quality education possible that equips every student with the tools they need to succeed. This levy is crucial to maintaining the high standards and values that our community expects from its public schools."
Without the levy, the district will need to make significant budget reductions that could result in eliminating sports, extracurriculars, school nurses, and safety officers. Reductions could also impact class sizes, the number of teachers and staff and cuts to essential programs.
Superintendent Dr. Shon Hocker described how levy dollars help the district achieve its mission: To ensure students become lifelong learners, empowered by their knowledge and skills, to be responsible citizens. "Our students are the future leaders, workers, and citizens of Coeur d'Alene. Local support is an investment in their potential and assurance that our schools continue to be a source of pride and strength for our entire community."
As the November 5 election approaches, the Coeur d'Alene School District and its Trustees will engage in a community outreach and education effort to ensure voters are informed about the specifics of the levy.
Beginning the week of September 9, the district will provide information on a dedicated levy page of the district’s website. Community members with questions or comments for the district may use this Contact Us form. The district’s Board of Trustees can be reached via email at trustees@cdaschools.org.
Contact
Stefany Bales
Executive Director of Communications
Coeur d'Alene School District
stefany.bales@cdaschools.org
About Coeur d'Alene School District 271
Coeur d'Alene School District 271 is committed to providing quality education to every student
through rigorous academic programs, dedicated staff, and strong community partnerships. Our
district serves over 9,000 students in grades K-12, fostering a learning environment that prepares
students for college, career, and life.